2016 NFL Draft Player Comparisons: The Quarterbacks
By Erik Lambert
October 3, 2015; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff (16) passes the football against the Washington State Cougars during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Sometimes reading a detailed scouting report takes too much time, so football fans prefer to get their ideas of what a player is (or is not) from something simpler: a comparison to established pro.
This piece does just that, going through some of the top 2016 NFL draft prospects and finding their NFL counterparts, past or present. This first installment will explore the quarterbacks.
With help from fellow NFL Mocks writers Jonah Tul, Sayre Bedinger, George Stockburger, Geoff Zlobinski and Joe Wedra a range of comparisons should help determine the ceilings (or floors) of the top passers in the nation.
Jared Goff (Cal)
Jonah: Tony Romo – To me, he reminds me of Romo in the mid-late 2000’s. He doesn’t have the strongest arm, but has excellent pocket poise and ball placement. What gives him trouble is when he feels rushed and tries to force plays that aren’t there, hence that gunslinger mentality.
Joe: Aaron Rodgers – Jared Goff is Rodgers for me. I know, I know… don’t tell me about their school … Goff can do some special things and make nearly every throw from every spot, akin to what makes Rodgers so great.
Me: Matt Ryan – A lot of experts have made the same comparison, and it’s easy to see why. Like Ryan, Jared Goff has a tall, lanky frame with good arm strength and pinpoint accuracy when not constantly pressured. He’s not as polished as Ryan was coming out of Boston College though.
Paxton Lynch (Memphis)
Joe: Ben Roethlisberger – Paxton Lynch is a blend of a few guys for me, but he reminds me a bit of Big Ben Roethlisberger. Good size with a whole lot of tools — and, sneaky athletic.
Me: Philip Rivers – The solid arm strength, size, good velocity and accuracy all match up with the Chargers’ Pro Bowl star, along with the awkward sidearm delivery. What Lynch has going for him even more is the fact he is more mobile than Rivers ever was.
Next: Hackenberg and Cook